Thursday, 2 July 2009

Waltham Forest Council breaks the law

'Public Footpath'

The Highway Authority has a legal duty to assert and protect the rights of the public to use Public Rights of Way's (PROWs) and also to prevent their obstruction. An unauthorised obstruction may render those liable to criminal prosecution and fines.

A Council has a duty to assert and protect the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment of any highway (including Public Rights of way). A Council is obliged to keep rights of way open and useable.

Waltham Forest Council should prosecute itself for allowing the wilful obstruction of its public footpath network through gross neglect.

The above public footpath, completely impassable, runs between Heathcote Grove E4 and Chingford Avenue. The Council is shamelessly indifferent to its legal obligation to maintain its public footpath network and generally regards public footpaths and rights of way as a nuisance and a waste of money.